Zeolite Y-encapsulated ruthenium(III) complexes of Schiff bases derived from 3-hydroxyquinoxaline-2-carboxaldehyde and 1,2-
phenylenediamine, 2-aminophenol, or 2-aminobenzimidazole (RuYqpd, RuYqap and RuYqab, respectively) and the Schiff bases derived from
salicylaldehyde and 1,2-phenylenediamine, 2-aminophenol, or 2-aminobenzimidazole (RuYsalpd, RuYsalap and RuYsalab, respectively) have
been prepared and characterized. These complexes, except RuYqpd, catalyze catechol oxidation by H2O2 selectively to 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene.
RuYqpd is inactive. A comparative study of the initial rates and percentage conversion of the reaction was done in all cases. Turn over frequency
of the catalysts was also calculated. The catalytic activity of the complexes is in the order RuYqap > RuYqab for quinoxaline-based complexes and
RuYsalap > RuYsalpd > RuYsalab for salicylidene-based complexes. The reaction is believed to proceed through the formation of a Ru(V) species.